Responding to Ecological Crisis - Quaker Spiritual Insights

Convincement is an experience of being made aware of our flaws and limitations,
and then being consoled by the Spirit of love and truth. We must face up to the
influence of a false spirit of greed, selfishness, cruelty, violence and destruction in
our lives that wreaks havoc in the world. However, we can also be comforted by an
experience of love and forgiveness. Everyone has flaws and limitations, and we are all
caught up in the exploitation of the natural world that causes suffering to our fellow
creatures. At the same time, we are not helpless. Positive change is possible, and we
are all worthy of love, and have a valuable part to play.
Ecological Reflection
We are all born into a world that is organised in a way that makes it easier to go
along with what is destructive and unjust, than to do what is right. This does not
imply that we are evil, but it does mean that we are implicated in systems and
practices that oppress other people, cause suffering to animals, and destroy the
ecological systems that support life itself. Quaker spirituality teaches us that, if we are
willing to face up to the truth, and accept our part in it, the healing power of the Spirit
will comfort us, and guide us to a more healthy and harmonious way.
Query
Are you willing to accept your flaws and limitations, while at the same time,
embracing the possibility of positive change? Can you feel the Spirit of love
and truth upholding and guiding you? Where is this Spirit leading you at this
time?
Responding to Ecological Crisis | Quaker spiritual insights 4